I’m glad that President Obama has responded to the letter that I and other Democratic Members sent this week asking for civilian-military pay parity by announcing that all federal employees will be receiving a 2.1% pay increase next year.

While I believe the House took the appropriate action today to prevent another unnecessary government shutdown, I believe that passing yet another continuing resolution is not the right approach to funding our government.

I look forward to learning more about Gen. John Kelly, his record of service to our nation in uniform, and his readiness to take the helm of a civilian agency as large and as challenging as the Department of Homeland Security.

’December 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy.’ When President Roosevelt spoke those stirring words, he knew that generations hence would remember the attack on Pearl Harbor not only for the heroism and loss of life on that terrible day but also for the courage and perseverance that would characterize our nation in the days, months, and years ahead.

While I'm pleased that the House did not proceed with a resolution of impeachment against Commissioner Koskinen, I find it shameful that the House even considered such a step without any evidence of wrongdoing and for purely partisan motivations that even a majority of Republican Members opposed.

Citing concerns that “Russia may have succeeded in weakening Americans’ trust” in our democratic institutions through its actions, the authors of the letter call attention to the hacking of American organizations, publication of private emails sent to or from campaign officials, as well as disclosures by WikiLeaks and fabricated news stories.

I join in congratulating Rep. Luján on his re-election as DCCC chair and Reps. Cárdenas, Jeffries, Bustos, and Cicilline on joining the expanded Democratic leadership team, and I thank all those who stepped up to run.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) made it possible for 20 million previously uninsured Americans to get covered, ended discrimination against women and those with pre-existing conditions, and slowed the rate of growth in health care costs to historic lows.

Today’s report reiterates what has already been clearly demonstrated: Republicans’ Select Investigative Panel to attack women’s health has wasted more than $1.5 million in taxpayer money and countless hours of Congress’s time trying to manufacture a controversy that does not exist.

I’m glad to support this defense authorization bill, which includes important provisions to strengthen our military so it will continue to be well prepared to meet the global security challenges of the twenty-first century.

I join in congratulating Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham on her election as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for the 115th Congress, and I thank Rep. Linda Sánchez for her service as the current Chair.

With our economy adding another 156,000 private sector jobs in November, we are continuing to see strong job gains, in large part due to the efforts of Democrats and President Obama in the aftermath of the Great Recession.

The Members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) continue to be among the fiercest defenders in the Congress of every American’s right to achieve the American Dream, and I look forward to working closely with its newly elected leadership slate for the next two years.

I want to congratulate my friend, Rep. Jim Himes, on his election as the next Chair of the New Democrat Coalition, along with the newly elected Vice-Chairs for the 115th Congress: Reps. Suzan DelBene, Derek Kilmer, Jared Polis, and Terri Sewell.

The legislation passed today by the House represents a step forward for improving health care in our country, but only if Republicans follow through on their commitment in the months and years ahead to boost investments in medical research and public health.